Giant 'Walking Men' figures hit South Beach in Lowestoft

From Australia, London, fields and forests, to most recently emerge from the backdrop of Blenheim Palace.

Genevieve Christie, CEO of First Light Festival CIC, with the five striking 8ft (2.4m) Walking Men bronze figures on South Beach in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Now these five bronze men have strode purposefully onto the sands of the South Beach in Lowestoft.

As "this new Lowestoft location adds a chapter to their story," British sculptor Laurence Edwards' striking five Walking Men are being displayed as part of the eagerly-awaited First Light Festival.

Genevieve Christie, CEO of First Light Festival CIC, with the five striking 8ft (2.4m) Walking Men bronze figures on South Beach in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Mr Edwards said: "One rarely has the opportunity to see a set of sculptures inhabit a setting as well as this.

"For me the visual treat would usually be enough, but add the fact that the sunken world of ‘Doggerland’, the remnants of which lie mysteriously under the waves behind them, gives the sculptures a whole new dimension, topping this extraordinary experience off."

Preparations are gearing up for the return of the First Light Festival to venues across Lowestoft - with work gathering pace on South Beach in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Organised by First Light CIC, the UK’s only free beach festival returns on Saturday and Sunday with the leading midsummer celebration attracting tens of thousands of visitors.

It will feature international acts, award-winning performers, musicians, DJs, bands, comedians, poets, big names, new talent, art, sports, science and much more.

Genevieve Christie, CEO of First Light Festival CIC, with some of the striking 8ft (2.4m) Walking Men bronze figures on South Beach in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Genevieve Christie, CEO of First Light Festival CIC, said: "Its been wonderful to see so many people come along already to look at the Walking Men - it has proved such a draw.

Preparations are gearing up for the return of the First Light Festival to venues across Lowestoft - with work gathering pace on South Beach in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"It is wonderful seeing the beach come alive with all the décor - we have more activities on the beach than ever before and it really is like a little town there.

Preparations are gearing up for the return of the First Light Festival to venues across Lowestoft - with work gathering pace on South Beach in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"We have something for everyone on offer, and I hope everybody has a fantastic weekend."

East Suffolk Council, one of the major funders of the First Light Festival, is again supporting the event, which was first staged in 2019.

Preparations are gearing up for the return of the First Light Festival to venues across Lowestoft - with work gathering pace on South Beach in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Paul Wood, Head of Economic Development and Regeneration at the council, said: "Last year, this nationally recognised event attracted over 40,000 visitors from across the country and delivered approximately £1.2million of visitor spend."

Preparations are gearing up for the return of the First Light Festival to venues across Lowestoft - with work gathering pace on South Beach in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

For the full festival programme, visit https://firstlightlowestoft.com/events-2024/